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Nevada R-5 board member brings ag perspective
Nevada Daily Mail
"If I have any agenda for the Nevada R-5 school board it goes back to the two reasons I ran for the position," said Jay Sloniker, member of the Nevada R-5 school board, vice-President of FCS Financial at the Nevada office and president of Vernon County Cattlemen's Association.
Having been interviewed a month ago in his position with the cattlemen's association, Sloniker welcomed the opportunity to speak as a new member of the R-5 school board but rather naturally brought an agricultural viewpoint.
"First, having children in the district, I take their educational welfare seriously," said Sloniker. "My wife and I have discussed how it seems there are always a lot of complainers but few doers -- those who roll up their sleeves and do their part to serve. Good boards need a balance of experience and fresh ideas."
"And the other reason I want to serve is because agriculture is a big part of this county and school district," said Sloniker. "I don't want agriculture to be relegated to FFA but for folks to understand the significance and force for good that ag brings. I'm not talking about agro-biology or agro-chemistry but agriculture. And I think the common sense values and work ethic that crop and livestock producers have is the culture this country was founded on and needs more than ever."
Sloniker was asked to identify some of the larger issues facing the district.
"It's true that our lower elementary buildings are maxed out, both in terms of the number of students they can hold as well as it's getting to be time to think about replacing Benton and Bryan schools," said Sloniker. "We're staying on top of the most critical maintenance issues by taking care of roof issues at two of our district's schools."
"But here's the long-term need I think many people miss but is critical for the school board," added Sloniker. "While it may not be true in some districts I was surprised to learn of just how high a percentage we have in our district of households without children. This means creating and maintaining a good relationship between the district and all its patrons is vital."
"A board must strike a balance between leading and following," said Sloniker. "The voices of teachers and administrators are important but so are the voices of patrons -- whether with or without children. We must be sensitive to their needs and desires but not micromanage. I get worried about the school board being way out in the weeds. We must trust our administrators but as a board member, I must also know enough so that I avoid being a rubber stamp and provide the appropriate oversight."
"I work for an agricultural financial services company as well as serve on the R-5 school board," said Sloniker. "I understand the financial side but what I love and want to see passed on to my children and those of this area is a good education combined with the values that come from farming and ranching."
"My father, brother and I, along with our spouses and children, share a farm. And we've had a number of conversations about trying to strike the right balance," said Sloniker. "For example, people who learn the value of work and the value of a dollar when they're young get more done and just do better as adults. But I've had conversations with my wife and with my brother about trying to strike the right balance between say, making the kids get up to check the heifers and letting them have free time just to be kids."
At this point Sloniker began to laugh as he added, "One of the nice things about 4-H is that kids learn about work but somehow it's different when the young person calls it 'my project.'"
"As our nation went from the World War II generation with its large percentage having served in the military to the small volunteer army we have today, that's changed people's perspective on everything from patriotism to sending troops all over the world," noted Sloniker.
"Equally, in 1870, about 50 percent of the U.S. population was employed in agriculture but now it's less than 2 percent," said Sloniker. "There are a lot of people in this area with gardens and who do canning but most people don't want to have to raise all their own food."
"Producers must tell their stories," said Sloniker. "They must not whitewash the truth but tell honest stories that share how deeply we feel about our own families, the animals we raise and the land which is not just a livelihood but gets in your blood and makes you thank God every day."
"I and my family understand the joys and struggles of agriculture," said Sloniker. "Economy of scale and the latest in technology, equipment and procedures are all wonderful things but if you don't have several thousand acres or hundreds of animals then farming and ranching can be a real struggle."
"Corporate farms enjoy economy of scale and also have regulatory and tax code support," said Sloniker. "The move from smaller producers to large corporate farms is a real loss. And the biggest loss is seen in family, community and a way of life."
"A corporate farm might buy animals at a county fair auction but they're not daily helping kids with their 4-H projects, teaching them the value of work, the sense of accomplishment that comes from a job well done, helping them take care of animals or host a barn dance," said Sloniker. "Smaller producers aren't in it for the money. True, they're not in it to lose money but in the end, it's not about business but about a culture, agriculture."